Hale pledges ongoing support for town centre regeneration and park upgrade

Pictured at the Rally in Dromore Park in support of a New Park are rally organisers Zoe Sparks, Laura Ogle and Valerie Lindsay, included with supporters are Cllr Carol Black, Cllr Marc Woods and Alderman Paul Rankin �Edward Byrne Photography INBL1636-218EB

Published:09:51Tuesday 06 December 2016

Share this article

Lagan Valley MLA Brenda Hale has pledged her continued support for the campaign to upgrade Dromore Park and regenerate the town centre.

On Friday the issues were discussed at a meeting between Communities Minister Paul Givan, Council Officers, Mrs Hale and local councillors Paul Rankin and Hazel Gamble, this following an earlier meeting with park campaigners and parents.

“Many local people have contacted my Dromore office and raised concerns over the inadequate and outdated play facilities in Dromore Park.,” said Mrs Hale.

“There have also been complaints over the public toilets in the park which have been closed for a number of years due to vandalism.

“Vandalism remains an ongoing problem, with lifebelts thrown into the river, park lighting damaged and the Old Dromore Central School building, beside the park, also a target for vandalism.

“ I have submitted a question seeking the Education Authority’s plans for the old school building. I fully support the parents’ campaign to see the park upgraded and I was pleased to meet with local campaigners in my Dromore Office, along with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and some ABC council party colleagues.

“I welcome that council officers and local councillors have since met with the campaigners and that the council has voted to agree to appoint a consultant to produce a feasibility study, looking at the entire park, including play facilities, lavatories and car-parking. I trust the local campaigners will be able to meet with the consultant soon and feed in their valued opinions on the future plans for the park.

“I am aware that the council is working on producing a play strategy, which will help guide councillors as they make decisions on the upgrade of local play parks . . . I will continue to work with my colleagues to explore every funding avenue for Dromore.”